Licensed Probate Practitioner

Licensed probate practitioners are qualified, professional probate lawyers, who specialise in the legal aspects surrounding inheritance and the administration of Wills and estates in England and Wales.

What do they do?

When a person dies, someone has to deal with their affairs. Probate practitioners are experts in the legal documentation and processes for dealing with the affairs of a deceased person (“estate”) and liaise with the deceased’s representatives (executors or administrators) in order to administer the estate in accordance with their Will or under the Intestacy provisions (when the deceased has not left a Will).
Licensed probate practitioners are also Commissioners for Oaths, which means they have legal authority to administer and witness official documents e.g.. affidavits to swear that a statement is the truth. They can sign your passport photo as well.

Where do they work?

Licensed probate practitioners work in a variety of legal teams and settings recognised in the private client industry, including Licensed Conveyancing or Solicitors’ practices. They may also work as sole practitioners.

Licensed probate practitioners deal with a broad range of other professional persons including; accountancy, banking, tax, trust and charitable professionals in the course of administering an estate.
View more information about the Probate Diploma’s

How to study

No previous knowledge or experience is needed. Straight from school or college, the Level 4 Diploma is a great starting place for anyone wishing to pursue a career in law. The Level 4 Diploma is also a perfect stepping stone for anyone considering a career change and looking to improve their prospects of finding a job in law. If you already hold academic legal qualifications such as a Law Degree, take a look at our exemptions guide as you may qualify for some exemption.

The national recognised diplomas can be studied through an approved training provider by classroom based learning, distance learning or on an apprenticeship scheme. Typically, approved training providers offer an all-inclusive fee for each Diploma. Fees for the Level 4 Diploma are around £3500 – £4000, and fees for the Level 6 Diploma are around £3000-£3600. This compares favourably to other degree and professional qualification routes. View our approved training providers here.

Qualify as a Licensed Probate Practitioner

To qualify as a Licensed Probate Practitioner the Level 4 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions) and the Level 6 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions) must be completed. Both diplomas could be completed in as quick as 18 months. This must be combined with 1200 hours of practical experience. You will also be required to upload a copy of your current CV to your application form (please ensure this includes your legal qualifications, dates achieved and a summary of your career history).

Practical Experience

Before you are able to apply for your first qualifying licence to practice as a CLC lawyer, you will need to complete 1200 hours of practical experience and finding the practical experience may be easier than you think. You can get company names and contact details via the SLC job search facility, the CLC firms search facility or our take a look at our recently qualified CLC Lawyer stories.

Level 4 Diploma
View the units studied in the Level 4 Diploma.

Level 6 Diploma
View the units studied in the Level 6 Diploma.

Enrol with a Training Provider
Study any of our diplomas and enrol with an approved training provider.

Practical Experience
Information about completing and submitting your practical experience.

Apply for your first qualifying licence
As a qualified student, find out the necessary steps in order to apply for your first qualifying licence